Cyclodextrins AS Dominant Chiral Selective Agents in the Capillary Separation Techniques

This review paper shows the dominant role of the cyclodextrins in the chiral separations using capillary columns (GC, SFC, CE). The cyclodextrins (CDs) have extremely broad chiral selectivity spectra because they have several different chiral recognition sites in various arrangements and various interaction modes. Their chiral selectivity features can further improve with their various substitutions. Their selectivities are moderate therefore they need high efficiency separations (capillary columns) for good chiral resolutions. The shape selectivity of cyclodextrins is also shown with non-chiral isomers too. The utility of the cyclodextrins is demonstrated with several examples based on the personal observations of authors and critical review of literature. The theoretical backgrounds of their chiral recognitions (e.g. H-bond interaction, inclusion, induced fit) are discussed in depth. This paper is not application oriented but is dealing with mostly on the physical and chemical background of separations using CDs.

Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Chorioamnionitis – Proof of Experimental Models

Background: Histologic chorioamnionitis is only diagnosed postnatally which prevents interventions. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the amniotic fluid might be useful biomarkers for chorioamnionitis and that VOC profiles differ between amnionitis of different origins.Methods: Time-mated ewes received intra-amniotic injections of media or saline (controls), or live Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 (Up) 14, 7 or 3d prior to c-section at day 124 gestational age (GA). 100 μg recombinant ovine IL-1α was instilled at 7, 3 or 1d prior to delivery. Headspace VOC profiles were measured from amniotic fluids at birth using ion mobility spectrometer coupled with multi-capillary columns.Results: 127 VOC peaks were identified. 27 VOCs differed between samples from controls and Up- or IL-1α induced amnionitis. The best discrimination between amnionitis by Up vs. IL-1α was reached by 2-methylpentane, with a sensitivity/specificity of 96/95% and a positive predictive value/negative predictive values of 96 and 95%. The concentration of 2-methylpentane in VOCs peaked 7d after intra-amniotic instillation of Up.Discussion: We established a novel method to study headspace VOC profiles of amniotic fluids. VOC profiles may be a useful tool to detect and to assess the duration of amnionitis induced by Up. 2-methylpentane was previously described in the exhalate of women with pre-eclampsia and might be a volatile biomarker for amnionitis. Amniotic fluids analyzed by ion mobility spectrometry coupled with multi-capillary columns may provide bedside diagnosis of amnionitis and understanding inflammatory mechanisms during pregnancy.